Published: Nov. 1, 2023

resume computer job searchTools like ChatGPT can be helpful in your job and internship search. There are also clear limitations to artificial intelligence (AI). Remember, AI is simply a tool to help you rather than to take over the entire process. Make sure your personal touch and unique personality comes through in your application materials and interviews. 

Below are specific ways you can use AI to complement your job search process and some things to consider to ensure you use it most effectively. 

Craft your resume 

It takes time and effort to tailor your resume to each position. A strong resume has succinct and compelling bullet points that reflect your experience. AI can help you write resume bullet points to achieve these objectives.


Tips

  • Customize your resume by writing bullet points and then prompt ChatGPT to provide alternatives. 
  • For example, in the prompt, you can type specific responsibilities from your past jobs or internships and ask the tool to generate resume achievements with metrics based on these responsibilities. 


Considerations and limitations

  • AI tools make recommendations based on industry trends and norms, which could be different for the company or position you’re pursuing. 
  • The tool can only include the information you provide.  
  • Look for irregularities, details that don’t align with your experience and repetitive information. 
  • Be careful not to input highly sensitive or personal information into tools like ChatGPT.


Career Services tools

  • Career Services offers free access to Quinncia, an online resume review tool that provides personalized feedback on your resume. 
  • Review resume best practices offered by Career Services. 

Customize your cover letter

Writing effective cover letters can be tricky and time-consuming. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can speed up the writing process. However, you can’t rely on AI tools to do all of the work. While you can use AI to write cover letters, you must edit and personalize your letters to create a genuine and professional end product. Remember, anyone can plug cover letter prompts into ChatGPT based on a job description and get the same responses as you can. The key is customization and blending your unique voice. To create the prompt in ChatGPT, you’ll need the job or internship description, your polished and well-organized resume and a cover letter framework. 


Tips

  • Start with your written cover letter and prompt ChatGPT to provide alternative ways to write sentences or sections within. 
  • Or, type into ChatGPT, all in one block:  
    • Write a cover letter for this job description (paste the job description).  
    • That uses these experiences (paste resume content).  
    • Using this cover letter framework (paste the cover letter).  
  • You can run multiple iterations to see which versions you prefer. 


Considerations and limitations

  • Edit the letter by copying and pasting the information into a document editor, like Word or Google Docs. 
  • Be sure to add relevant details, including a header, signature and the company’s contact information.  
  • Tailor the letter to include information demonstrating you understand the company and position. 
  • AI tools can make spelling mistakes and other typos. Be sure to proofread the letter and make any needed changes.


Career Services tools

Write effective emails

During the job search process, you will likely need to communicate with potential employers using email. We recommend responding to emails from an employer within 24 hours. Identifying what to write and what not to include can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to writing professional emails. ChatGPT can be helpful when you’re under pressure, have writer’s block or want to ensure you communicate professionally. 


Tips

  • Paste in the original message, remove personal details and ask ChatGPT for a response.  
  • Skim the response options and use applicable elements from the recommended wording for your response. 
  • Or ask ChatGPT how to respond to the subject of the email. For example, enter a prompt about how to respond to an email asking for interview preferences.


Considerations and limitations

  • Direct communication by email requires a personalized response. 
  • Ensure the tone of the response matches the intent of the email.  
  • Use AI as a guide or starting point for an email response, but don’t rely on the generated content without proofreading and ensuring the email response represents your personality well. 


Career Services tools

  • Career Services is available to help you understand the job search process, including how to answer an email or tips to negotiate a starting salary.  
  • Schedule time with a Career Services advisor. 

Prepare for interviews

Answering interview questions can be challenging, especially for your first few interviews. You may not know what interview questions to expect or how to answer them best. ChatGPT and Quinncia’s mock interview tool can help you practice and prepare for interviews before they arrive so you feel more confident.  


Tips

  • Prompt ChatGPT with a job or internship description and ask for sample interview questions for that position.  
  • Consider whether you feel confident in your responses to potential questions. If not, ask ChatGPT for sample answers. You can use your experience to prompt ChatGPT for a more relevant response to a question.


Considerations and limitations

  • Remember that humans, not AI, will interview you. How you interact with AI will look different than how you interact with a human. Take what ChatGPT offers, critically analyze it and make it your own.  
  • ChatGPT and similar tools are helpful but cannot replace your creative and thoughtful interview responses. 
  • Remember that ChatGPT is open to everyone. Others may get that same generic response. Prompt the system with specific questions or information for more unique outputs.


Career Services tools

Take your search to the next level

We are in an experimental phase of AI adoption with massive room for advancement. AI will eventually span all industries and embody existing technologies in unimaginable ways. As a student, you can benefit from learning how to leverage AI technology today. 

Career Services is here to help you learn how to use AI effectively for your job or internship search. We are available to meet with you, answer questions, provide resources and offer training to support your career goals.